From around the state

A thumbs up from regional New South Wales

Since 19 April the Police Association has gratefully been receiving great photos from far and wide across the state.

The photos seen below are a cross-section from Ballina, Deniliquin, Forster, Griffith, Moree, Port Stephens and Tamworth. And that's PANSW President Tony King - ever the Country cop - with the Harbour Bridge as a backdrop.

We've also been getting photos from members of the NSW State Parliament - including Phil Donato of the Shooters, Fishers and Famers Party, Member for Orange; and Sonia Hornery, NSW Labor and Member for Wallsend. And we're expecting more.

Help is only a phone call away

A shout-out to our members who are assisting vulnerable members of the community in practical ways.

On Friday, Yass Police purchased groceries for a resident who was unable to go to the supermarket herself.Meanwhile Bathurst PCYC delivered care packages to the youth who use their facilities, as a way to support young people and their families and keep them engaged.

Our members are adapting in every way possible to promote the safety of their local communities.

First COVID case in Broken Hill

Helping to ensure ongoing distribution of information was one of the first reponses for officers in the Barrier Police District after health authorities confirmed one case of coronavirus in Broken Hill.

Far West Local Health District has placed the affected person in self-isolation along with people who’ve had close contact with them.

The posters above contain vital health and hygiene information for the frontline response to COVID-19.

Talking common sense in Tamworth

LISTEN to Chief Inspector Budd by clicking on the link above or this image:

Jeff, who is a member of the Police Association’s Executive, is a straight talker and delivered a clear call to action: “We really want people to take control of this whole environment themselves, because you’re the only ones who can control it”.

“The virus does not move. The virus just sits there. We move. So, my plea to the community would be, take control of this yourself. You need to be smart. You need to be prepared to stay isolated”.

“Stop visiting people, stop having parties, stop making this virus worse than it has to be.”

Mr Budd, of the Oxley Police District, acknowledged that there’s a tough time ahead but said police remained resolute.

“We signed up to do a certain job and we won’t back away from that. Rest assured we’re still doing our business. We’re chasing crooks, we’re making sure our bail offenders are at home. We’re doing all the stuff we’re required to do and keep the community safe”.

While regional New South Wales has seen fewer cases of coronavirus, local Police in areas such as Tamworth have begun door-knocking patients with confirmed cases of COVID-19 and those in self-isolation to enforce strict government restrictions.